JAMESTOWN – A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday for Chautauqua County, and could dump upward of 20 inches of snow in higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.

The current snowfall will transition to lake effect snow by afternoon. Travel will be very difficult. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 15 are expected in the most persistent lake snows, with local amounts of up to 20 inches across the higher terrain of Chautauqua County, weather observers say.

Wind gusts should reach 40 miles per hour or more, causing drifts and limiting visibility, with near whiteout conditions at times.

Snow showers tomorrow and Thursday will be sporadic with accumulating snowfall Friday and into Saturday.